Making time for regular medical checkups is important in the early detection of some diseases and ailments.  Preventative measures may reduce the likelihood of an ailment progressing into something worse.  Taking into consideration factors that may seem trivial, however, it may show something more serious.  Seeing a regular doctor and your allergist annually are collectively important to your health and early detection of diseases.  Here are some symptoms to know of; however, it is best to schedule a check-up with your doctor at least once a year.

• Constant headaches
• Mucus that is discolored, green or brown.
• A cough that will not go away.
• Tightness in your chest that keeps you from breathing normally.

Symptoms to Not Ignore

When allergy season strikes, there are other symptoms aside from sneezing and watery eyes.  Some individuals may develop headaches and mucus that is discolored.  The headaches may recur with minimal breaks.  Weather changes can contribute to the condition; However, a headache that is severe may be a migraine from allergies or another underlying cause.  Here are just a few causes of an ongoing headache that should not be ignored:

• Sinus Infection
• Hormonal imbalance
• Vision changes that require checking
• Injury
• Neck/back problems
• Lack of sleep
• Conditions relating to blood pressure

Coughing to clear your throat doesn’t seem to be any real problem.  However, if the coughing is persistent, this could be a sign of asthma, the flu, or another allergy that may not be diagnosed.  If you have a persistent cough that does not go away within 7-10 days, it may be time to call your doctor.

If your chest feels tight, or you wake up unable to get the air you need to rest comfortably this can represent something very serious beyond asthma or other breathing related problems.  A tightened chest particularly at night, can point to heart trouble and possibly other related ailments.

If your vision is getting worse, there are many possibilities associated with that.  Things from diabetes, an injury, cataracts, and just being tired can cause compromised vision. Make sure to get a good night’s rest and have your eyes checked.

Developing a Relationship with Your Doctor

By seeing your doctor regularly, you are setting yourself up for better communication and relationships with your care provider.  Here are some other reasons to keep seeing your health care provider regularly.

• Continuity of your medical records.
• Personalized relationships with your care providers.
• More focused treatment plans.

 

Annual Check-ups

Seeing your doctor for regular medical checkups, at least once a year gives them the opportunity to identify anything going on that you may be unaware of.  By doing so, will set you up for success in treating any ailment that may result from something you were unaware of.  Things such as checkups for your eyes and teeth are also just as important.  Making a handful of appointments over the course of a year will put you in the driver’s seat with a personal relationship and continuity with your health care providers.